Coronation Street left devastated by Rovers Return fire

The Rovers Return will go up in flames in one of 'Coronation Street's most dramatic storylines ever, and soap favourite Sunita Alahan will be tragically killed in the blaze

Sunita Alahan will die in a blazing inferno on 'Coronation Street'.

The Rovers Return pub is set to go up in flames in one of the ITV1 soap's most dramatic storylines to date, tragically killing the ex-barmaid - played by Shobna Gulati - and leading her fellow Weatherfield residents to suspect her of a failed arson attack.

Jilted Sunita is left devastated after Karl Munro (John Michie) takes the pub's landlady Stella Price (Michelle Collins) back, so everyone will assume the fire was a botched act of vengeance.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Sunita begins to hate Stella and all she stands for. Next thing the pub bursts into flames - and she's on the scene. Even becoming a victim can't stop people pointing the finger.

"But obviously if they're wrong then the real arsonist will still be at large."

The upcoming drama will "utterly devastate" iconic pub The Rovers, which has featured on the soap since its beginnings in 1960, and several other important cast members will be left fighting for their lives in the blaze.

The source added: "When the fire is finally put out, The Rovers will stand in ruins."

Actress Shobna, 46, recently announced she would be leaving after 12 years on the show to "focus on other projects".

Outgoing producer Phil Collinson commented: "It's sad to lose such a well-loved and brilliantly played character, but it provides an exciting storyline opportunity and the writing team are already looking forward to developing a brilliant exit story for her.